UGC NET December 2026 application form submission starts: Check direct link, how to apply, key dates, offical notification, eligibility, and more

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened the online application process for the UGC NET December 2026 examination, with registration beginning on October 8. Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in, until October 28, 2026. Those who miss the deadline can apply during the late-fee window from October 29 to October 31.

The agency will also allow applicants to make corrections to their submitted forms from November 2 to November 4, 2026. The examination will cover 87 subjects and determine eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Assistant Professor positions and PhD admissions.

UGC NET December 2026: How to apply

Eligible candidates can complete the registration process by following these steps:

1. Visit the official website, ugcnet.nta.nic.in.
2. Look for the “UGC-NET Dec 2026 Application Form” link on the homepage.
3. Select the login option under “Already Registered Candidates”, where applicable.
4. Enter the required login credentials, including the application number, password and security code.
5. Fill in the application form with the required personal, academic and other details.
6. Upload the necessary documents in the prescribed format.
7. Pay the examination fee online and submit the application.
8. Download or save a copy of the submitted form and payment confirmation for future reference.

Applicants should review the details carefully before submitting the form and retain the confirmation page for their records.

Direct link to apply for UGC NET December 2026

UGC NET December 2026: Age limit and relaxation

For candidates applying for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), the upper age limit is 30 years as of December 1, 2026, the first day of the month in which the examination concludes.

Age relaxation is available to eligible candidates in specified categories, subject to the applicable rules. Applicants should consult the official UGC NET December 2026 notification for the category-wise relaxation criteria and other eligibility conditions.

Read the official UGC NET December 2026 notification

UGC NET December 2026: Important dates

Candidates should keep track of the application deadlines, fee payment schedule and correction window to avoid missing any stage of the registration process.

Event	Date and deadline
Online registration begins	October 8, 2026
Last date to submit application form	October 28, 2026, up to 11:50 pm
Last date for examination fee payment without late fee	October 28, 2026, up to 11:50 pm
Application submission with late fee	October 29 to October 31, 2026
Last date for fee payment with late fee	October 31, 2026, up to 11:50 pm
Application form correction window	November 2 to November 4, 2026, up to 11:50 pm

UGC NET December 2026: Exam highlights

Particulars	Details
Conducting body	National Testing Agency (NTA)
Department	University Grants Commission (UGC)
Examination	UGC NET December 2026
Subjects	87
Eligibility categories	JRF, Assistant Professor and PhD admission
Notification date	October 8, 2026
Application period	October 8 to October 28, 2026
Official website	ugcnet.nta.nic.in

UGC NET December 2026: Application fee

Candidates must pay the examination fee online through the available payment modes. The category-wise application fee is as follows:

Category	Application fee
General/Unreserved	Rs 1,150
General-EWS/OBC-NCL	Rs 600
SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender	Rs 325

Candidates who submit their applications during the late-fee period will have to pay an additional late fee of Rs 500, as specified in the schedule.